B L Kashyap & Sons Ltd. (BLK) reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to sports and grassroots development as Roots Football Club, supported by the company through its CSR initiatives, was honoured at the first Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) Annual Awards 2024–25. The recognition highlights the club’s consistent efforts in strengthening football development across Karnataka, with a strong focus on youth and women’s programmes supported through sustained institutional backing over the past three years.
At the awards ceremony, Roots Football Club received top honours including Best Youth Development Club and Best Football Academy. Further adding to the milestone, player Ura Dimri was named Emerging Player of the Year (Women), reflecting the steady progress and growing impact of the club’s women’s football initiative.
Commenting on the recognition, Ms. Shruti Kashyap Choudhari, Director, B L Kashyap & Sons Ltd. said,
“Our association with Roots Football Club has been built on the belief that young players need continuity and structure to progress beyond the youth level. At BL Kashyap, we believe that the true measure of impact lies in creating long-term opportunity, and this partnership reflects a shared commitment to using sport as a platform for social transformation whether it is enabling young players to continue competitive football beyond the age of 18, or supporting women to pursue sport as a viable profession. The recognition at the KSFA Awards is encouraging, but more importantly, it reinforces our belief that sustained investment in grassroots ecosystems can create impact far beyond the field.”
The inaugural KSFA Annual Awards ceremony was hosted by Mr. N. A. Harris, President – KSFA and Vice President – AIFF, and witnessed the presence of prominent figures from Indian football, including Mr. Sunil Chhetri, former captain of the Indian national team; Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, President – AIFF; Mr. M. Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary – AIFF; and Dr. K. Govindaraj, President – Karnataka Olympic Association. Their presence underscored the growing emphasis on structured grassroots initiatives in strengthening football across the state.
In addition to the awards secured, Roots FC also received nominations in several major categories such as Best Club Management, Fair Play Award, and Best Women’s Club. Individual nominations across coaching and player categories—including Coach of the Year (Men), Youth Player of the Year, and Emerging Player of the Year (Men)—further highlighted the depth and consistency of the club’s development framework.
Over the last three years, BLK’s CSR partnership with Roots Football Club has played a vital role in supporting both the women’s team and the senior men’s division, ensuring continuity beyond the youth level. More than 60 percent of the senior men’s squad comprises players from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with the programme enabling them to continue competitive football beyond the age of 18 while pursuing structured professional pathways.
Beyond on-field performance, the collaboration has created meaningful opportunities for women athletes to pursue football as a viable profession and earn a livelihood through the sport. This has led to increased acceptance and long-term support for women’s participation in football within families and communities, extending the partnership’s impact well beyond the playing field.
Last Updated on: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 4:10 pm by Digital Herald Team | Published by: Digital Herald Team on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 3:38 pm | News Categories: Brand Post